Chinese reporters trained in international humanitarian law, first aid

A special workshop on international humanitarian law and the protection of journalists was organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross with the support of the Red Cross Society of China in Beijing on April 19.

More than 20 participants from major Chinese media, both traditional and online, received the training.

The workshop was designed to help participants understand the basics of IHL and how it protects journalists in situations of armed conflict. It also aimed at providing them with basic knowledge of the first-aid skills needed in times of emergency and even in their daily lives.

"During the past few years, the Chinese media has shown great interest in reporting on armed conflict and some of them have been sent to report from countries at war. As professional reporters, while working hard to seek the truth, it's also important that they don't forget to protect themselves," said Valery Mbaoh Nana, the head of communication department at the ICRC regional delegation in Beijing.

"This workshop will help participants understand how IHL protects them in their capacity as journalists in situations of armed conflict," he added.

To get a sense of ground reality, three senior journalists from Xinhua News Agency, China Central Television and China Global Television Network who have reported from conflict zones were invited to share their experiences.

They spoke about reporting in war areas and collaborating with the ICRC in the field. A professional trainer from the Training Centre of the Red Cross Society of China also imparted a short training on first aid.

Established in 1863, the ICRC is an independent and neutral organization operating in more than 80 countries around the world, mandated to help people affected by conflict and armed violence and promote the laws that protect victims of war. Its Beijing delegation opened in 2005.